National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) applauds Texas Governor Perry's proclamation on yellow CSST safety education

AUSTIN, TX — Today, Texas Governor Rick Perry issued a proclamation commending efforts to enhance public safety and promote consumer awareness on the proper installation of yellow Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST). Governor Perry also encouraged further education on the need to properly bond yellow CSST in houses that contain the product.

Yellow CSST is a flexible metal gas tubing which has been installed in over seven million homes in the U.S. since the early 1990s. It is used to supply natural gas or propane to furnaces, water heaters and other gas appliances.

In July 2012, NASFM and a coalition of CSST manufacturers launched a nationwide safety campaign to bring awareness to homeowners on the importance of proper bonding and grounding of yellow CSST to current code standards. Governor Perry's proclamation underscores the importance of awareness by all Texas homeowners.

"We applaud Governor Rick Perry for joining in our effort to raise awareness about this issue and contributing to the safety of Texas homes," said Chris Connealy, Texas State Fire Marshal and NASFM board member.

In recent years, manufacturer's instructions and national building codes have changed with respect to requirements for bonding and grounding of yellow CSST in new installations. NASFM is leading the way by bringing awareness to homeowners to ensure yellow CSST is properly installed to updated specifications in all homes.

Research by the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) into the effectiveness of direct-bonding of CSST, documented in GTI's September 5, 2013 report, "Validation of Installation Methods for CSST Gas Piping to Mitigate Indirect Lightning Related Damage," confirms direct-bonding CSST results in improved safety.

When not installed to current code standards, yellow CSST can be affected by a direct or indirect lightning strike and may cause a perforation increasing the risk of fire.

"It is important that homeowners be aware and take the necessary precautions. NASFM looks forward to joining efforts with Governor Perry to continue educating homeowners in Texas about proper yellow CSST installation to current code standards," said Jim Narva, NASFM Executive Director.

Homeowners and property owners who have yellow CSST installed in their homes are encouraged to determine whether the system is properly bonded and grounded. Licensed electrical contractors can determine if a yellow CSST system has been installed in accordance with current manufacturer installation requirements and code standards.

To view Texas State Fire officials' public service announcement on the yellow CSST safety campaign and for more information, please visit http://www.CSSTSafety.com.